Menasha Volunteers Aim to Fix 100 Tornado-Hit Homes in 100 Days

When a tornado ripped through Menasha, Wisconsin on July 27, it left nearly 2,000 households damaged and families like Christa Ball's scrambling for shelter. Now, an army of volunteers led by Habitat for Humanity is determined to fix 100 of the hardest-hit homes in just 100 days.

The "Tornado Rock the Block 100" program focuses on families who can't afford tens of thousands of dollars in repairs out of pocket. Many are uninsured or discovered their insurance doesn't cover the full extent of damage to roofs, windows, and doors.

Ball lived in her home for 25 years before the storm hit. Her partner was trapped when their garage collapsed, breaking his ribs, and now she's separated from the dogs she calls family. "These are the final years of their life," Ball said of her elderly roommates. "I want to get back in there and start living again."

The program targets homeowners making up to 120 percent of the area's median income. Habitat has already helped clean up over 400 households in recent weeks and is working on zero-percent interest loan options where families won't owe a penny until they sell their homes.

Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond praised the community's response. "On July 27, the way our community looks changed substantially," he said. "However, the character of our community did not."

The Ripple Effect

The repair effort represents more than just fixing houses. It's keeping elderly residents in their homes, helping working families avoid displacement, and preserving tight-knit neighborhoods where people actually want to stay. Amy McGowan from Habitat emphasized they're filling gaps that insurance and federal aid might miss, ensuring no family faces a Wisconsin winter with a damaged roof overhead.

Local businesses and donors have rallied to cover mounting costs, knowing each repair means one family can rebuild their life. Ball remains hopeful despite her insurance falling short: "We're not just going to let it go. We want our houses fixed, and we love the neighborhood."

One hundred families will have roofs over their heads before the first snowfall.